Big move nrth - travel fund & documentary filming

Dear friends,

This fundraiser is to assist in my (relocation for work opportunity) travel costs, which include the simplest travel accommodation and any emergency.

I am heading up to Darwin, to begin life anew.  Its been an absolutely dreadful year for so many - and whilst I have not caught the virus, I did not escape the wrathful consequences of CoVid restrictions - my   annus-horribilus for sure.

My fledgling video business collapsed as filming was banned for quite a long time; and so many of you know that last year saw me personally having to move abruptly several times due to CoVid related traumas i.e. other people having a tough time, impacting and forcing my escape from several very difficult situations.  As a result, last year pretty much financially decimated me - all my reserves are now gone.   Stress levels were through the roof...  and, with only a few but very precious private students in ESL classes each week, I used the additional time to return in studies, which I've now completed (and passed). 

However, I psychologically need to start fresh this year, as my health has taken a battering, from the southern colder climate, ongoing deep stresses from four house move in eight months; and financial pressures.  So I've decided to move to the warmth of far north of Australia - to Darwin - to begin again from scratch with work, living and to get my health back.   

I had my car serviced a few days back and had to replace all four tyres. This additional and surprise cost now means I must now sleep in my car, as a very basic motel room in the desert regions costs far too much for me at present; so I will park at unpowered caravan sites to sleep in my car overnight for the need to have a safe and public place to rest (not on the side of the desert road, alone!!) - at this time of year, single rooms are pretty expensive. 

So with humility and courage, I am asking for only very basic assistance towards the tyre replacement and assist in travel/accommodation costs for the long journey, of driving 3000kms from the bottom (Adelaide) to top (Darwin) of Australia.

I am leaving on the 13th January (as my rental lease finishes then), and driving the entire trip solo, with just enough personal effects in the car to survive until I can re-establish somehow. I am a sensible driver and know how to take 2-hour stretching and cuppa breaks, etc. 

In the Spirit of finding new and ongoing employment to relieve the severe financial stress of the past year, I pray to the infinite goodness of life itself, that these funds can be gathered to ease my load a little. 

Funds will be used to replace the four tyres ($400 fitted and balanced); caravan park fees (minimum is $65-80 per night); and any additional funds will go towards a night or two in a comfortable motel bed (at present, the rooms are $90-190 per night depending on where in the Oz desert I end up in!).   I will be filming along the way, when I can, the journey, places and people towards a documentary I’m working on.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and support if you donate - and I will find the way to honour your faith in me, to continue to do good work for and within the community, especially with children, through documentary film, Smule songs, or ESL teaching to the multi-cultural community, as ever.

Love and deepest gratitude, Jaya Khoobsurat (aka, Jacqueline Lewis)

ESL teacher, Singer, Independent filmmaker.